Investigation of gas prices demanded

TALLAHASSEE — Saying skyrocketing fuel prices are jeopardizing the state and national economy, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson on Friday called on Congress and the White House to launch a full investigation.

"We're being taken for a ride and the evidence is everywhere, from the escalating prices we pay to fill up our vehicle with gasoline to the purchase of virtually all consumer goods," said Bronson, who is also the state's chief consumer advocate.

Florida's average price for regular unleaded gasoline hit $3.87 a gallon Friday, as motorists in South Florida saw prices inch close to $4, according to the American Automobile Association.

Average prices for regular fuel in Palm Beach County climbed to $3.98 per gallon - the highest recorded in South Florida after a 3-cent jump from Thursday.

In Broward County, the average price of regular gasoline was the lowest in the region at $3.91 per gallon.

The average price at the pump for regular was $3.96 in Miami-Dade County, also after a 3-cent overnight increase.

Bronson said his office is being flooded with phone calls by Floridians angry over the pump prices.

The higher costs might affect law enforcement patrols, school bus transportation and the state's firefighting efforts in the summer, as well as residents' food and electricity bills.

"It is almost impossible to conceive of a product that is not dependent on oil in either its production or transportation to the stores in which it is sold," he said.

Nadeam Elshami, a spokesman for U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Congress already has embarked on a course similar to what Bronson has suggested.

"Because of our action, the Federal Trade Commission now has the authority to probe oil and gasoline prices and punish those who manipulate the price at the pump," Elshami said.

Earlier this week, the U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation to hold OPEC and big oil companies accountable for any price fixing, though the Senate has not yet acted on the measure.

Gasoline prices are more than double what they were in 2001, and diesel fuel prices are 57 percent higher than a year ago. The biggest five oil companies announced first-quarter profits totaling almost $37 billion.

Bronson is asking Florida's congressional delegation to take an active role. He said a comprehensive investigation should go into all aspects of the oil business, including production, trading by investors and speculators and ultimately the marketing and sale of fuel.

He said he "didn't see anyone drop a tear" earlier this week as oil executives told a Senate committee the higher costs of fuel are results of supply and demand.

"I'd love for these same people to tell me why diesel fuel, which costs less to make, costs more than fossil fuel," Bronson said. "That's just profit-taking."

David Goldenberg, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, co-chairman of the Florida congressional delegation, said the House plans to have hearings when it returns from its Memorial Day weekend recess.

"The congressman is convinced there is something fishy in the water or, should we say, the oil. Prices are without a doubt artificially inflated. . . . Congress and others have a responsibility for looking into this," he said. "It's unconscionable that oil companies are showing record profits at a time when Americans are hurting."

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Going up

Average prices for regular gasoline Friday:

Florida

$3.87

Broward County

$3.91

Palm Beach County

$3.98

Average price for a gallon of gas

Broward County

Regular Mid Premium Diesel

Current $3.913 $4.240 $4.318 $4.799

Yesterday $3.863 $4.185 $4.263 $4.566

Month Ago $3.585 $3.883 $3.955 $4.229

Year Ago $3.060 $3.316 $3.377 $3.012

Palm Beach County

Regular Mid Premium Diesel

Current $3.982 $4.313 $4.393 $4.721

Yesterday $3.953 $4.283 $4.362 $4.664

Month Ago $3.651 $3.955 $4.028 $4.256

Year Ago $3.207 $3.474 $3.538 $3.031

Source: http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/FLmetro.asp

Help Team: Saving at the pump

To find cheap gas

For money-saving tips and the lowest-priced gas in your community - plus an online calculator to see how much that road trip will really cost you - go to

Replacing your fuel filter, PCV valve and breather filter once a year or every 12,000 miles can improve gas mileage up to 15 percent. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can save you up to six trips to the gas pump a year.

Replace your gas cap and consider one with a lock. A faulty seal can waste $50 in gas a year to evaporation.

For information on alternatives to driving

Dial 511: Callers in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties can access traffic and transit information, including bus and Tri-Rail information free. The automated phone system will connect you to a trip-planning specialist.

Visit http://sfrtp.cinrtosfl.com: The South Florida Regional Transit site provides schedules and route maps for South Florida mass transit, including shuttle services.